BUNDABERG ECO-TOURISM
SOME FOLK JUST KEEP COMING BACK...
Every year from mid August to mid October,
Humpback whales pass close to Bundaberg's
coastline en route to the blue waters of
Platypus Bay at the northern end of
Fraser Island.
Whale watching cruises operate from Port
Bundaberg during the season and they can
also be seen from Lady Elliot Island.
Humpbacks are curious animals and
sometimes approach close to boats. They
frequently give awesome displays of
breaching, spyhopping and tail and
fin slapping.
Bundaberg's affair with these migratory
mammals finds its focus in a spectacular six
story environmental wall mural located in the
CBD in Bourbong Street. Wyland, the U.S.
artist famous internationally for his whaling
walls painted the wall as his gift to the city.
At nearby Mon Repos beach some special
marine visitors have established Australia's
largest and most accessible turtle rookery.
Loggerhead, green, leatherback and flatback
turtles come ashore from November to
February to lay eggs. The tiny hatchelings may
be seen emerging from their sandy nests from
early January until March.
Mon Repos is 14 kilometers from Bundaberg along Bargara Road. The area is an Environmental Park designed to protect the turtles, ensure their ongoing use of the area and provide opportunities for turtle watching. Access to the beach is limited during the season and rangers conduct guided walks each night.
A new visitor centre has been opened by the
Department of Environment & Heritage at
Mon Repos to give an understanding and
appreciation about turtle biology, behaviour
and management through displays and audio
visuals.
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